TN code chapter 55-10-400 With Proposed Changes
55-10-401 Driving under the influence of intoxicant,
drug or drug producing stimulant prohibited - Alcohol concentration in blood or
breath.
(a) It
is unlawful for any person to drive or to be in physical control of any
automobile or other motor driven vehicle on any of the public roads and
highways of the State or any other location which is
generally frequented by the public at large, while:
(1) Under the influence of any intoxicant, drug, substance or combination thereof producing effects on the central nervous system to a degree which impairs, to any extent, the driver’s ability to operate the vehicle or;
(2) The alcohol concentration in such person’s blood or breath is eight-hundredths of one percent (.08 %) or more or;
(3) The alcohol concentration in such person’s blood is four-hundredths of one percent (.04%) and the vehicle is a commercial motor vehicle.
(b) For
purposes of proving a violation of this section, evidence that there was, at
the time the test was taken, eight-hundredths of one percent (.08%) or more by
weight of alcohol in the defendant’s blood shall create a presumption that the
defendant’s ability to drive was sufficiently impaired to constitute a
violation of this section.
55-10-402 Repeat Offenders
(a) Repeat Offender Defined
For purposes of this part, a person who is convicted of § 55-10-401 shall be considered a repeat offender subject to enhanced penalties under this part if the person has been convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 within the past ten years from the date of the person’s current offense or has been convicted of § 39-13-106, § 39-13-213(a)(2), or § 39-13-218 at any time prior to the offense.
(b) Convictions
from other states
Prior convictions for offenses similar to those designated in (a) from another state, district, or territory of the United States shall also be considered to determine if a defendant is a repeat offender and shall be counted in the same manner as convictions in Tennessee.
(c) Driving Record as Evidence of Prior Convictions
A certified computer printout of the official driver record maintained by the Department of Safety shall constitute prima facie evidence of any prior conviction. A copy of the certified computer printout of the driving record shall be delivered to the defendant at least 14 days prior to trial. If the defendant alleges error in the driving record in a written motion, the Court may require that a certified copy of the judgment be provided for inspection by the Court as to validity prior to the introduction of the department printout into evidence.
55-10-403 Penalties: Incarceration
A person convicted for a violation of §55-10-401 shall be sentenced as follows:
(a) First offense with a blood alcohol concentration less than .15%-
To serve eleven (11) months and
twenty nine (29) days in the county jail or workhouse which may be suspended
after the service of not less than 48 consecutive hours. This offense is a
Class A misdemeanor.
(b) First offense with blood alcohol concentration of .15 or above-
To serve eleven (11) months and twenty nine (29) days, which may be suspended after the service of seven (7) days, provided that the first forty eight (48) hours shall be served consecutively. The provisions of this section constitute an enhanced sentence and not a new offense. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(c) Second Offense
To serve eleven (11) months and twenty nine (29) days, which may be suspended after the service of not less than forty-five (45) consecutive days. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(d) Third Offense
To serve eleven (11) months and twenty-nine (29) days, which may be suspended after the service of not less than one hundred twenty (120) consecutive days. This offense is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) Fourth
Offense
To serve one to six years which may be suspended after the service of not less than one hundred eighty (180) consecutive days, provided that during the final thirty (30) days of the sentence, the person may be eligible to attend in-patient treatment or may be released to a halfway house, which provides out-patient treatment services and counseling to assist the person’s transition to society and discourage further impaired driving behavior. The fourth offense is a class E felony.
(f) Fifth or
Subsequent Offense
To serve two to twelve years which may be suspended after the service of not less than three hundred sixty (360) consecutive days. The fifth offense is a Class D felony
(g) Child
Endangerment Enhanced Penalty
Notwithstanding the other
provisions of this section, if at the time of the offense, the person was
accompanied by a child under eighteen (18) years of age, the penalty shall be
enhanced by a mandatory minimum incarceration of thirty (30) consecutive days.
55-10-404 Penalties:
Fines
In addition to incarceration the person convicted for a violation of 55-10-401 shall be
fined as follows:
In addition to incarceration the person convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401 shall be fined as follows:
(a) First Offense: Three hundred fifty dollars ($350) to one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500);
(b) Second Offense: Six hundred ($600) to three thousand five hundred dollars ($3,500);
(c) Third Offense: One thousand one hundred dollars ($1,100) to ten thousand dollars ($10,000);
(d) Fourth Offense: Three thousand dollars ($3,000) to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000);
(e) Fifth or subsequent Offense: Five thousand dollars ($5,000) to fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000);
(f) Child Endangerment: One thousand dollars ($1,000) in addition to any other fine.
55-10-405 Penalties: Driving Privileges
In addition to incarceration and fines the person shall have his or her driving privilege
suspended as follows:
In addition to incarceration and fines the person shall have his or her driving privilege suspended as follows:
(a) For first offense: one year;
(b) For second offense: two years;
(c) For third offense sentenced pursuant to § 55-10-407: three years;
(d) For third or fourth offense: five years;
(e) For fifth or subsequent offense: For life or until the person completes ten calendar years without committing another violation of § 55-10-401.
55-10-406 General
Provisions
(a) Service of Sentence
All persons sentenced under this part shall, in addition to service of at least the minimum sentence, be required to serve the difference between the time actually served and the maximum sentence on probation.
(b) The judge shall impose the following conditions:
(1) Participation in an alcohol and drug safety DUI school, and/or drug offender school program, and
(2) Participation in an alcohol and drug assessment conducted by a licensed alcohol and drug abuse treatment facility or a licensed behavioral health professional with alcohol and drug treatment experience and specific training in clinical alcohol and drug assessments with a report concerning the findings of the assessment to be delivered to the Court, and
(3) Upon the second or subsequent conviction for violating the provisions of § 55-10-401 participation in a program of rehabilitation at an alcohol or drug treatment facility, and
(4) The payment of restitution to any person suffering physical injury or personal losses as the result of such offense if such person is economically capable of making such restitution.
(c) The judge may impose any additional conditions of probation which are reasonably related to the offense.
(d) No person charged with violating the provisions of § 55-10-401, vehicular assault under § 39-13-106, vehicular homicide by intoxication under § 39-13-213, or aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218, shall be eligible for suspension of prosecution and dismissal of charges pursuant to the provisions of §§ 40-15-102 - 40-15-105 and 40-32-101(a)(3)-(c)(3) or for any other pretrial
(e) Sentencing for this part is to be controlled by this part. Nothing in the Sentencing Reform Act of 1989 or other subsequent sentencing statutes shall be construed as altering, amending or decreasing the penalties established in this section for the offense of driving under the influence, provided that this part shall not be construed to limit the provisions of § 40-35-315. At the discretion of the judge and pursuant to the guidelines of § 40-35-104, sentences imposed pursuant to § 55-10-403 & § 55-10-405 on misdemeanor sentences may be set up to one hundred percent notwithstanding § 40-35-302 or any other sections concerning sentencing credits.
(f) Legal use is not a defense
The fact that any person charged with violating § 55-10-401 is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol or any drug or substance shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.
(g) Relationship to sections concerning licensing
Nothing in the provisions of this part shall be construed so as to in any way limit, change, alter, repeal, or amend the provisions of §§ 55-50-303, 55-50-501, or 55-50-502, nor to limit the power or authority of the Department of Safety to revoke or suspend a driver's license, permit, or privilege under the provisions of Chapter 50 of this title.
55-10-407 Treatment Sentencing
(a) Purposes:
The
foremost purpose of this section is to protect the public on the highways and
roadways of the State. To protect the
public it is necessary to reduce the likelihood of future driving under the
influence offenses by the specific defendant. In doing so the following
principles are hereby adopted:
(1) Every
defendant shall be punished by the imposition of a sentence justly deserved in
relation to the seriousness of the offense and the repetition of the offense;
(2) To
accomplish the purpose of this section judges and prosecutors are discouraged
from reducing driving under the influence offenses to reflect a lesser number
of prior convictions than the true number of prior convictions;
(3) This
chapter is to provide an alternative sentence for defendants who have committed
a second or third driving under the influence offense within 10 years due to
alcohol or substance abuse addiction;
(4) Punishment
shall be imposed to prevent crime and promote respect for the law by:
(A) Providing an
effective general deterrent to those likely to violate the driving under the
influence laws of this State;
(B) Providing
specific deterrence to second and third driving under the influence offenders
to discourage further dangerous driving behavior;
(C) Restraining
defendants with a lengthy history of driving under the influence;
(D) Encouraging
effective rehabilitation and monitoring of those defendants, where reasonably
feasible, by promoting the use of alternative sentencing, correctional programs
and technology that elicit voluntary cooperation of defendants with specific
deterrence; and
(E) Encouraging
restitution to victims where appropriate;
(5) Sentencing
should exclude all considerations respecting race, gender, creed, religion,
national origin and social status of the individual;
(b) A person
who has been convicted of a second or third offense for driving under the
influence may be considered as a candidate for treatment and monitoring
sentencing if the offender petitions the Court and the Court determines that
the offender will cooperate with the required provisions. A person who is
accepted and through his actions or words fails to cooperate fully with the
program will be remanded to jail to complete at least an increased minimum
penalty pursuant to
§ 55-10-407
(c) or (d) without credit for time spent on the program. A probation officer or supervising authority
shall monitor the person’s compliance with all requirements.
(c) Treatment
Sentencing Second Offender
For conviction of the second offense, the person shall be sentenced to serve in the county jail or workhouse eleven (11) months and twenty nine (29) days. If the person is accepted as a candidate for treatment sentencing, the mandatory minimum sentence to be served shall be sixty (60) consecutive days, provided that after serving fifteen (15) consecutive days the person may be released for inpatient treatment, once available, for not less than twenty one (21) days, but will be released to supervised probation or community corrections only when clinically recommended or approved by the court. Upon release, the person shall attend outpatient treatment as recommended, any meetings required to monitor the person’s cooperation with the court and wear a continuous remote transdermal alcohol monitoring device for sixty (60) continuous days. If the person does not consume alcohol during the sixty (60) continuous days, the person may be eligible, upon meeting all other reinstatement requirements, in the Court’s discretion to receive a license to drive after a functioning ignition interlock device is installed in the person’s vehicle for the balance of the two year license revocation. The person may only drive a vehicle with a functioning ignition interlock device during the remainder of the license revocation.
(d) Treatment
Sentencing Third Offender
For conviction on the third offense, the person shall be confined in the county jail or workhouse for eleven (11) months and twenty nine (29) days. If the person is accepted as a candidate for treatment sentencing, the mandatory minimum sentence to be served shall be one hundred and fifty (150) consecutive days provided that after serving forty five (45) consecutive days the person may be released for inpatient treatment, once available, for not less than twenty one (21) days, but will be released to supervised probation or community corrections only when clinically recommended or approved by the Court. Upon release, the person shall attend outpatient treatment as recommended, any meetings required to monitor the person’s cooperation with the Court and wear a continuous remote transdermal alcohol monitoring device for ninety (90) continuous days that will continuously, remotely monitor the person to determine if the person consumes any alcohol. If the person does not consume alcohol during the ninety (90) continuous days, the person may be eligible, upon meeting all other reinstatement requirements, in the Court’s discretion to receive a license to drive after a functioning ignition interlock device is installed in the person’s vehicle for the balance of the three year license revocation. The person may only drive a vehicle with a functioning ignition interlock device during the remainder of the license revocation.
(e) Alcohol and Drug Treatment
(1) If the Court orders participation in an inpatient alcohol and drug treatment program pursuant to this part the person ordered to participate shall be confined to the inpatient treatment center and shall not, without further Court order, be released for any reason until the completion of the treatment. If the person successfully completes treatment the balance of the mandatory jail sentence shall be suspended.
(2) The Court is not empowered to order the expenditure of public funds to provide treatment. If the Court finds that the person is unable to pay all or part of the costs of treatment, the expense or some portion of the expense may be paid from the Alcohol and Drug Addiction Treatment fund established in § 40-33-211(c)(2) pursuant to a plan and procedures developed by the Department of Health. When making this finding as to the ability of the person to pay for the cost of treatment, the Court shall take into consideration:
(i) The nature of the services of the program rendered;
(ii) The usual and customary charges for
rendering such program in the community;
(iii) The income of the accused regardless of source;
(iv) The poverty level guidelines compiled and
published by the United States Department of Labor;
(v) The ownership or equity of any real or personal property of
the accused; and
(vi) Any other circumstances presented to the Court which are relevant to the issue of the ability to pay.
(3) If a person ordered to participate is able to pay and participates in a program that provides treatment without cost to an individual, that person shall be obligated to pay for treatment in the same manner as provided in § 33-2-1202. If a person ordered to participate, participates in a Court approved private treatment program, that person shall be responsible for the cost and fees involved with the program.
(4) If the person attends inpatient treatment after arrest but before conviction, the person may receive credit for completion of inpatient treatment for purposes of treatment sentencing. However, after a finding of guilt, the person must receive an alcohol/drug assessment and follow the recommendations of the assessment even if more inpatient treatment is necessary.
55-10-408 Chemical
Tests, Preliminary Tests, Persons Prohibited from Refusing, Admissibility
(a)
(1) When a law enforcement officer has
reasonable suspicion that a person may have been violated § 55-10-401, or that
a person under age 21 may have been driving with a measurable blood alcohol
concentration, the officer may request that the suspect submit to a preliminary
alcohol screening test of the suspect to determine such person's alcohol
concentration using a device approved by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation
for that purpose. Nothing in this
section precludes the officer from further requesting or requiring additional
testing pursuant to any section of this Act or any other provision of law.
(2) Any
person who drives a motor vehicle in this State is deemed to have given consent
to a test or tests for the purpose of determining the alcoholic content of that
person's blood, a test or tests for the purpose of determining the drug content
of such person's blood, or both such tests.
However, no such test or tests may be administered pursuant to this
section, unless conducted at the direction of a law enforcement officer having
probable cause to believe such person was driving while under the influence of
alcohol, a drug, any other intoxicant or any combination of alcohol, drugs, or
other intoxicants as prohibited by § 55-10-401, or was violating the provisions of §§ 39-13-106, 39-13-213(a)(2) or 39-13-218 or is included in § 55-10-408 (a)(3). No provision
of this section limits an officer from requesting a test or tests during the
investigation of a traffic accident.
(3) Persons prohibited from
refusing testing
Any person may refuse to submit to chemical analysis unless:
(i) Another person has suffered serious bodily injury or has died and there is probable cause to believe the injury or death was the result of the driver’s intoxication; or
(ii) The person does not have a current valid
license to drive in
(iii) The person’s driver’s license is revoked or suspended in this or any other state due to a conviction for driving under the influence or for a violation of implied consent; or
(iv) The person has previously been convicted of a felony for driving under the influence offense, vehicular assault or vehicular homicide in this or another state; or
(v) The person is under the age of 21 and not permitted to consume alcohol.
(4) For the results of such test or tests to
be considered as presumptive evidence under § 55-10-401(b), it must first be
established that all tests administered were administered to the person within
two (2) hours following such person's arrest or placement in custody. The two (2) hour limit shall be measured from
the time of arrest or physical custody until the beginning of the observation
period for a breath test if a breath test is conducted. The two (2) hour limit shall not apply to a
test for drug content or in cases involving serious bodily injury or death to
another person.
(5) When a person submits to a blood test at
the request of a law enforcement officer or is required to submit to a blood
test, only a qualified person may draw the blood for the purpose of determining
the alcohol or drug content therein.
This limitation does not apply to the taking of breath specimens. Qualified persons are:
(A) A physician, registered nurse, licensed practical nurse, clinical laboratory technician, licensed paramedic, licensed emergency medical technician, clinical laboratory technologist, medical technologist, or certified or nationally registered phlebotomist. No person who withdraws blood for this purpose or hospital, medical clinic or employee of the person shall incur any civil or criminal liability as a result, except for damages that may result from the negligence of the person withdrawing the blood.
(6) A blood sample may be obtained by any means lawful. If the taking of a blood sample is observed by a law enforcement officer and the law enforcement officer testifies to the name and position of the qualified person who withdrew the blood, the result if otherwise admissible, shall be admissible without the attendance of the person who withdrew the blood at trial or any other hearing.
(7) Any law enforcement officer who requests that the driver of a motor vehicle submit to either or both tests authorized pursuant to this section, for the purpose of determining the alcohol or drug content, or both, of the driver's blood, shall, prior to conducting either test or tests, advise the driver that refusal to submit to the test or tests will result in the suspension, by the Court, of the driver's operator's license, and, if such driver is driving on a license that is cancelled, suspended or revoked because of a conviction for vehicular assault under § 39-13-106, vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213, aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218, or driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401, that the refusal to submit to such test or tests will, in addition, result in a fine and mandatory jail or workhouse sentence. However, no such advice is necessary if the offender is not qualified to refuse testing pursuant to (a)(3) above.
(A) The advice of the law enforcement officer shall be included on a form devised and supplied by the Department of Safety. The driver shall be given an opportunity to sign the form to indicate consent or refusal. Refusal to sign the form shall not be grounds to exclude the results of the test or the fact that the driver refused.
(B) Any person who is unconscious as a result of an accident or is unconscious at the time of arrest or apprehension or otherwise in a condition rendering that person incapable of refusal, shall be subjected to the test or tests as provided for by §§ 55-10-405 - 55-10-412, but the results thereof shall not be used in evidence against that person in any Court or before any regulatory body without the consent of the person so tested, unless the person is prohibited from refusing testing. Refusal of release of the evidence so obtained will result in the suspension of that person's driver license, thus such refusal of consent shall give such person the same rights of hearing and determinations as provided for conscious and capable persons in this section.
(8) The results of any test authorized by § 55-10-408 shall be reported in writing by the person making such test, and such report shall have noted on it the time at which the sample analyzed was obtained from the person.
(A) The results of such test shall be made available to the person tested, upon request.
(9) Nothing in this section shall affect the
admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for vehicular assault under § 39-13-106, vehicular homicide under § 39-13-213, aggravated vehicular homicide under § 39-13-218, or § 55-10-408 (a)(3) of any chemical analysis of
the alcoholic or drug content of the defendant's blood which has been obtained
by any means lawful without regard to the provisions of this section.
(10) Provided probable cause exists for criminal prosecution for the offense of driving under the influence of an intoxicant under § 55-10-401, nothing in this section shall affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution of any chemical analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant's blood that has been obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment.
55-10-409 Penalties for Violation of Implied Consent
(a) If a person refused a test or tests pursuant to § 55-10-408, the Court shall revoke the license of such driver for a period of:
(1) One (1) year, if the person does not have a prior conviction for a violation of §§ 55-10-401, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218, 39-13-106, or 55-10-418, in this State, or a similar offense in any other jurisdiction;
(2) Two (2) years, if the person does have a prior conviction for a violation of §§ 55-10-401, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218, 39-13-106, or 55-10-418, in this State, or a similar offense in any other jurisdiction;
(3) Two (2) years, if the Court finds that the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident, in which one (1) or more persons suffered serious bodily injury, violated § 55-10-408 by refusing to voluntarily submit to such a test or tests after a request to submit; and
(4) Five (5) years, if the Court finds that the driver of a motor vehicle involved in an accident in which one (1) or more persons are killed, violated § 55-10-408 by refusing to voluntarily submit to such a test or tests after a request to submit.
(b) Any person who has previously been convicted of a violation of 55-10-401, 39-13, 106, 39-13-213 or 39-13-218, who refuses to submit to a test or tests commits a class A misdemeanor. The penalty shall include a sentence of eleven (11) months and twenty nine (29) days, which may be suspended after incarceration for five (5) consecutive days. The penalty shall be served in addition to any penalty for § 55-10-401 and shall be served consecutively to the penalty for § 55-10-401.
(c) Nothing in this section shall effect the admissibility in evidence, in criminal prosecutions for aggravated assault by the use of a motor vehicle, vehicular assault, vehicular homicide or aggravated vehicular homicide or any person included in § 55-10-408 (3) who is not permitted to refuse testing of any chemical analysis of the alcoholic or drug content of the defendant's blood which has been obtained by any means lawful without regard to the provisions of this section.
(d) Nothing in this section shall affect the admissibility into evidence in a criminal prosecution any chemical analysis of the alcohol or drug content of the defendant’s blood that was obtained while the defendant was hospitalized or otherwise receiving medical care in the ordinary course of medical treatment.
(e) No individual or employer of the individual including a hospital, medical office, jail, fire department, ambulance service or any other entity for whom the person works, who withdraws blood from a person suspected of violating § 55-10-401 pursuant to the written request of a law enforcement officer shall incur any civil or criminal liability as a result of the withdrawing of such blood, except for any damages that may result from negligence by the person who draws the blood.
55-10-410 Tests for alcoholic or drug content of blood - Procurement and processing of samples - Results - Additional testing.
(a) When a specimen taken in accordance with the provisions of this chapter is forwarded for testing to the office of the Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, the specimen shall be examined for alcohol concentration, the presence of narcotics or other drugs, or for both alcohol and drugs, if requested by the arresting officer, county medical examiner, or any district attorney general. The chief medical examiner or the medical examiner's duly appointed representative shall execute a certificate which indicates the name of the accused, the date, time and by whom the specimen was received and examined, and a statement of the alcohol concentration (or presence of drugs) of the specimen.
(b) When a specimen taken in accordance with the provisions of this chapter is forwarded for testing to the office of the Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, a report of the results of such test shall be made and filed in that office, and a copy mailed to the district attorney general for the district where the case arose.
(c) The certificate provided for in this section shall, when duly attested by the Director of the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation or the Director's duly appointed representative, be admissible in any Court, in any criminal proceeding, as evidence of the facts therein stated, and of the results of such test, if the person performing the test of such specimen shall be available, if subpoenaed as a witness, upon demand by either party to the cause, or, when unable to appear as witnesses, shall submit a deposition upon demand by either party to the cause.
(d) The results of any test or tests shall be reported in writing by the person making such test, and such report shall have noted on it the date and time at which the sample analyzed was obtained from the person.
(e) The results of any such test shall be made available by the testing agency to the person tested, upon request.
(f) The person tested shall be entitled to have an additional sample of blood or urine procured and the resulting test performed by any medical laboratory of that person's own choosing and at that person's own expense; provided, that the medical laboratory is licensed pursuant to Title 68, Chapter 29.
55-10-411 Court Procedures
(a) Search warrants not precluded-
The willing refusal to submit to testing does not preclude testing under other applicable procedures of law and does not preclude a judge or magistrate from issuing a search warrant for blood alcohol content evidence.
(b) Any person who violates the provisions § 55-10-408 by refusing to submit to either test or both such tests, shall be charged by a separate warrant or citation that does not include any charge of violating § 55-10-401 that may arise from the same occurrence.
(c) The Court having jurisdiction of the offense for which such driver was placed under arrest shall not have the authority to suspend the license of a driver who refused to submit to either or both tests, if the driver was not advised of the consequences of such refusal and was qualified to refuse testing.
(d) Refusal to submit or failure by law enforcement to advise a driver who may refuse testing of a test or tests in § 55-10-408 shall be admissible at the person’s trial for driving under the influence and at any other relevant procedure unless the person was not qualified to refuse testing.
(e) Breath Alcohol Analysis-Admissibility in Evidence-
(1) In any civil or criminal trial, hearing or proceeding, the results of breath alcohol analysis are admissible in evidence without antecedent expert testimony that breath alcohol analysis provides a trustworthy and reliable method of measuring the alcohol content of the expired breath from an individual upon a showing that the offered testimony meets the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation Crime Laboratory Breath Alcohol Standards.
(2) Nothing in this section shall be construed as prohibiting any party in civil or criminal trial from offering proof that breath alcohol analysis does not provide a trustworthy and reliable method of measuring the alcohol content or the expired breath of an individual, nor shall it prohibit a party from cross-examining the other party’s expert as to the lack of trustworthiness and reliability of such analysis.
(f) Enhancement Warning
Any person convicted of an initial
or subsequent offense shall be advised, in writing, that there are
substantially greater penalties for each future offense committed and that the
current conviction will be used against the person in any future case. The person shall also be informed that
convictions from other states shall be used in the same manner as a conviction from
this state.
(g) Notice of
Prior Conviction
In the prosecution of second or subsequent offenders, the indictment or charging instrument must allege the prior conviction or convictions for violating any of the provisions of § 55-10-401, § 39-13-213(a)(2), § 39-13-106, § 39-13-218 or § 55-10-418, setting forth the time and place of each prior conviction or convictions. When the State uses a conviction for the offense of driving under the influence of an intoxicant, aggravated vehicular homicide, vehicular homicide, vehicular assault or adult driving while impaired committed in another state for the purpose of enhancing the punishment for a violation of § 55-10-401, the indictment or charging instrument must allege the time, place and state of such prior conviction.
(h) Fines
Unless the judge, using the applicable criteria set out in § 40-14-202(b), determines that a person convicted of violating the provisions of § 55-10-401 is indigent, the minimum applicable fine shall be mandatory and shall not be subject to reduction or suspension. All fines are to be paid on the date sentence is imposed unless the Court makes an affirmative finding that the defendant lacks a present ability to pay. The Court shall then order a date certain before which payment shall be made. Should the defendant fail to comply with the order of the Court, the clerk shall notify the Court of such failure for further proceedings.
55-10-412 Offenses Committed After Posting Bond
(a) Any person who is arrested for a violation of § 55-10-401 while on bond for another violation of §§ 55-10-401, 39-13-106, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218 shall be considered a danger to the public and the person’s bond for the original charge shall be revoked until the Court makes a determination that the person no longer poses a danger to the public.
(b) In determining bond for a person arrested for a violation of § 55-10-401 while on bond for another violation of §§55-10-401, 39-13-106, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218, the court shall take into account the factors set out in § 40-11-118 and also consider that the person poses a substantial risk of danger to the public.
55-10-413 Vehicle Forfeiture
(a) The vehicle used in the commission of the offenses below is subject to seizure and forfeiture in accordance with the procedure established in title 40, chapter 33, and part 2. The Department of Safety is designated as the applicable agency, as defined by § 40-33-202, for all forfeitures authorized by this subsection. Vehicles are subject to seizure if the driver has committed:
(1) A violation for §55-10-401 while the person’s license to drive is revoked, cancelled or suspended due to a prior conviction for §55-10-401; or
(2) A violation of § 55-10-401 within five (5) years of a previous conviction of § 55-10-401; or
(3) A third or subsequent violation of § 55-10-401 within ten (10) years; or
(4) A violation of §§ 39-13-106, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218.
(b) It is the specific intent that a
forfeiture action under this section shall serve a remedial and not a punitive
purpose. The purpose of the forfeiture
of a vehicle after a person's second or subsequent DUI violation is to prevent
unscrupulous or incompetent persons from driving on
(c) Only P.O.S.T. certified or State commissioned law enforcement officers will be authorized to seize such vehicles under this section.
(d) All reasonable expenses shall be paid pursuant to § 40-33-202, whether a seizure determination is made after a hearing or by settlement between the parties. In addition notwithstanding any other provision fifty percent (50%) of the proceeds after the payment of expenses shall be returned to the seizing agency and fifty percent (50%) shall be transmitted to the Commissioner of the Department of Health for deposit in the “alcohol and drug addiction treatment fund” administered by the department.
55-10-414 Restricted License
(a)
(1) If a person's motor vehicle operator's license has been revoked for a violation of § 55-10-401 or § 55-10-408 or § 55-10-420, such person may apply to the trial judge for a restricted driver license. The trial judge may order the issuance of a restricted motor vehicle operator's license in accordance with § 55-50-502, if based upon the records of the Department of Safety:
(A) The person does not have a prior conviction for a violation of §§ 39-13-106, 55-10-401 , 39-13-213(a)(2) or 39-13-218, in this State or a similar offense in another state; or
(B) The person has one prior conviction for a violation of § 55-10-401 in this State or a similar offense in another state, but the conviction occurred more than five (5) years since the present offense in this State or another state and
(C) The person consented to a breath or blood alcohol test with a result of .149% BAC or below.
(b) The trial judge may issue such order allowing the person so convicted to operate a motor vehicle as follows:
The driver shall not drink alcohol while driving or drive while any alcohol remains in his/her body. The driver shall not drive under the influence of alcohol, drugs or other substances. This limited driving privilege does not include the privilege of operating a commercial motor vehicle. Driving when essential for emergency medical care is authorized at any time. Driving, other than for emergency medical care, may be permitted:
(1) For
work related or educational purposes as specified by the court;
(2) For
maintenance of the household as specified by the court;
(3) For community or public service assignments, alcohol and drug assessment or treatment; ignition interlock appointments; probation or community correction appointments or other matters relating to court supervision as specified by the court.
(c) Such order shall be made a part of the order or judgment of the Court. The order must be presented within ten (10) days after the date of conviction to the Department of Safety, accompanied by a fee of sixty-five dollars ($65.00). If the person successfully completes a driver's license examination, the department shall forthwith issue a restricted license embodying the limitations imposed upon the person so convicted.
(d) The
provisions of this section shall also apply equally to any
(e) The provisions of this section shall not be construed to in any way limit the provisions of § 55-50-303 or § 55-50-502, nor to limit the power and authority of the Department of Safety to revoke or suspend the driver license under the provisions of Chapter 50 of this title.
(f) Any
restricted license issued under this section is subject to renewal in the same
manner as other motor vehicle licenses.
55-10-415 Ignition Interlocks
(a) If a person's motor vehicle operator's license has been revoked for a violation of §§ 55-10-401, 55-10-408 or 55-10-420, such person may apply to the trial judge for permission to drive in the same manner and for the same duration as a person may apply for a restricted license, but only after the person submits proof from a licensed ignition interlock provider that an ignition interlock has been installed on the person’s vehicle if:
(1) The person does not have a previous conviction for a violation of §§ 39-13-106, 55-10-401 , 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218, or 55-10-601 in this state or a similar offense in another state, district or territory and the person requests an ignition interlock; or
(2) The person does not have a previous conviction for a violation of §§ 39-13-106, 55-10-401 , 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218, or 55-10-601 in this state or a similar offense in another state, district or territory and the person and consented to a breath or blood test with a result of .15 or above;
(3) The person has complied
with the requirements of § 55-10-407;
or
(4) The person was convicted for a second violation of § 55-10-401 and consented to a breath of blood test and had a blood alcohol content of .15 or above and would be eligible for a restricted license except for the blood alcohol content or
(5) Committed a violation of § 55-10-409 by refusing to consent to a breath or blood test and had no previous convictions of § 55-10-401 in this State or a similar offense in another state, district or territory.
(b) If the Court in it’s discretion approves the person’s application to drive with an ignition interlock, the Court shall order the person to operate only a motor vehicle which is equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device, and this restriction may continue for a period of up to one (1) year after such person's license is no longer suspended or restricted under the provisions of §§ 55-10-405, 55-10-407 or 55-10-420. The Court shall establish a specific calibration setting no lower than point zero two (.02) nor more than point zero five (.05) blood alcohol concentration at which the ignition interlock device will prevent the motor vehicle from being started and the period of time that the person shall be subject to the restriction.
(c) Upon
ordering the use of an ignition interlock device, the Court shall:
(1) State on the record the requirement for and the period of use of the device, and so notify the Department of Safety;
(2) Direct that the records of the department reflect:
(A) That the person may not operate a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device.
(3) Direct the department to attach or imprint a notation on the driver's license of any person restricted under this section stating that the person may operate only a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device;
(4) Require proof of the installation of the device and periodic reporting by the person for verification of the proper operation of the device;
(5) Require the person to have the system monitored for proper use and accuracy by an entity approved by the department at least semiannually, or more frequently as the circumstances may require;
(6) Require the person to pay the reasonable cost of leasing or buying, monitoring, and maintaining the device, and may establish a payment schedule therefor.
(d) A person prohibited under this section from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device may not solicit or have another person attempt to start or start a motor vehicle equipped with such a device. Except as provided in subsection (j), a violation of this subsection (f) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(e) A person may not attempt to start or start a motor vehicle equipped with an ignition interlock device for the purpose of providing an operable motor vehicle to a person who is prohibited under this section from operating a motor vehicle that is not equipped with an ignition interlock device. Except as provided in subsection (j), a violation of this subsection (g) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(f) A person may not tamper with, or in any way attempt to circumvent, the operation of an ignition interlock device that has been installed in a motor vehicle. Except as provided in subsection (j), a violation of this subsection (h) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(g) A person may not knowingly provide a motor vehicle not equipped with a functioning ignition interlock device to another person who the provider of such vehicle knows or should know is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device. Except as provided in subsection (j), a violation of this subsection (i) is a Class A misdemeanor.
(h) A person who violates subsections (f)-(i) commits a Class A misdemeanor; provided, that penalty shall not apply if:
(1) The starting of a motor vehicle, or the request to start a motor vehicle, equipped with an ignition interlock device is done for the purpose of safety or mechanical repair of the device or the vehicle, and the person subject to the Court order does not operate the vehicle; or
(2) The Court finds that a person is required to operate a motor vehicle in the course and scope of the person's employment and if the vehicle is owned by the employer, the person may operate that vehicle during regular working hours for the purposes of employment without installation of an ignition interlock device, if the employer has been notified of such driving privilege restriction and if proof of that notification is with the vehicle. This employment exemption does not apply, however, if the business entity that owns the vehicle is owned or controlled by the person who is prohibited from operating a motor vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device.
(i)
(1) In addition to the circumstances under which a judge may order the use of an ignition interlock device set out in subsection (d), a judge may order that the vehicle owned or operated by a person or a family member of such person to commit a violation of § 55-10-401, be equipped with an ignition interlock device for all or a portion of the time the driver license of the operator of such vehicle is suspended or restricted pursuant to §§55-10-405, 55-10-407, 55-10-409 if
(A) The operator of the vehicle used to violate § 55-10-401, has at least one (1) prior conviction for driving a motor vehicle when such person's privilege to do so is cancelled, suspended or revoked as provided by § 55-50-504; or
(B) The driver license of the operator of such vehicle was cancelled, suspended or revoked at the time of the violation of § 55-10-401.
(2) A judge ordering the use of an ignition interlock device pursuant to this subsection (k) shall follow the same procedures set out in subsections (d) and (e), and the provisions of subsections (f)-(j) shall apply to an interlock device ordered pursuant to this subsection (k).
(3) The provisions of this subsection (k) shall not apply if the vehicle used to commit the violation of § 55-10-401, was, at the time of such violation, leased, rented or stolen.
(j) A person who violates subsections (f)-(i) commits a Class A misdemeanor; provided, that penalty shall not apply if:
(1) The starting of a motor vehicle, or the request to start a motor vehicle, equipped with an ignition interlock device is done for the purpose of safety or mechanical repair of the device or the vehicle, and the person subject to the court order does not operate the vehicle; or
(2) The
court finds that a person is required to operate a motor vehicle in the course
and scope of the person's employment and if the vehicle is owned by the
employer, the person may operate that vehicle during regular working hours for
the purposes of employment without installation of an ignition interlock
device, if the employer has been notified of such driving privilege restriction
and if proof of that notification is with the vehicle. This employment
exemption does not apply, however, if the business entity that owns the vehicle
is owned or controlled by the person who is prohibited from operating a motor
vehicle not equipped with an ignition interlock device.
(k)
(1) In addition to the circumstances under which a judge may order the use of an ignition interlock device set out in subsection (d), a judge may order that the vehicle owned or operated by a person or a family member of such person to commit a violation of § 55-10-401, be equipped with an ignition interlock device for all or a portion of the time the driver license of the operator of such vehicle is suspended or restricted pursuant to § 55-10-403, if:
(A) The operator of the vehicle used to violate § 55-10-401, has at least one (1) prior conviction for driving a motor vehicle when such person's privilege to do so is cancelled, suspended or revoked as provided by § 55-50-504; or
(B) The driver license of the operator of such vehicle was cancelled, suspended or revoked at the time of the violation of § 55-10-401.
(2) A judge ordering the use of an ignition interlock device pursuant to this subsection (k) shall follow the same procedures set out in subsections (d) and (e), and the provisions of subsections (f)-(j) shall apply to an interlock device ordered pursuant to this subsection (k).
(3) The provisions of this subsection (k) shall not apply if the vehicle used to commit the violation of § 55-10-401, was, at the time of such violation, leased, rented or stolen.
(l)
(1) If a person convicted of a violation of § 55-10-401, has a prior conviction for a violation of § 55-10-401 within the past five (5) years, the court shall order such person to operate only a motor vehicle or motorcycle, after the license revocation period, which is equipped with a functioning interlock device. The court shall also order such device to be installed on all vehicles owned or leased by the person at such person's own expense for a period of six (6) months.
(2) Any
person subject to the provisions of subdivision (1) may, solely in the course
of employment, operate a motor vehicle or motorcycle, which is owned or
provided by such person's employer, without installation of an ignition
interlock device, if:
(A) The court expressly
permits such operation;
(B) The employer has been notified of such driving privilege restriction; and
(C) Proof of that notification is within the vehicle.
This subdivision (l)(2)
shall not apply if such employer is an entity wholly or partially owned or
controlled by the person subject to the provisions of this subsection (l).
55-10-416 Alcohol and Drug Abuse Evaluation and
Treatment
(a) Before sentencing any person convicted of violating either subsections (a) or (b), the Court shall order an appropriate examination or examinations to determine whether the person needs or would benefit from treatment for alcohol or other drug abuse.
(b) If the examination reveals that the person is in need of inpatient treatment, the Court may order participation in such treatment for a period of not less than twenty one (21) days. During this treatment, the person shall be confined to the inpatient treatment center and shall not be released for any reason, without further Court order, until the treatment is completed. If the person does not complete treatment, he shall be returned to the county jail to complete his sentence without any credit for time spent in treatment. Upon the completion of treatment the person shall be returned to custody for the balance of the sentence, but will be given credit for time spent in inpatient rehabilitation.
(c) If a defendant seeks inpatient treatment, during which he is confined to the treatment center and not released until treatment is completed, and he supplies to the Court a verification of completed treatment by the provider, the defendant may receive credit for completing Court ordered inpatient treatment as part of an alternative sentence in section § 55-10-407.
(d) The sheriff of each county shall develop a written policy which permits alcohol and drug treatment organizations to have reasonable access to persons confined in the county jail or workhouse who have been convicted of or charged with a violation of this part.
55-10-417 Blood
alcohol concentration test (BAT) fee -- Creation of TBI Toxicology Unit
intoxicant testing fund
(a) In addition to all other fines, fees, costs and punishments now prescribed by law, a blood alcohol concentration test (BAT) fee in the amount of one hundred dollars ($ 100) shall be assessed upon conviction for a violation of §§ 39-13-106, 39-13-213(a)(2), 39-13-218 or 55-10-401, for each offender who has taken a breath-alcohol test on an evidential breath testing unit provided, maintained and administered by a law enforcement agency, or where breath, blood or urine has been analyzed by a publicly funded forensic laboratory.
(b) This fee shall be collected by the clerks of the various Courts of the counties and forwarded to the State Treasurer on a monthly basis for deposit in the TBI toxicology unit intoxicant testing fund created as provided in subsection (c), and designated for exclusive use by the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation for the purposes set out in subsection (c).
(c) There is created a fund within the
treasury of the State of
(1) Moneys shall be deposited to the fund pursuant to subsection (b), and as may be otherwise provided by law, and shall be invested pursuant to § 9-4-603. Moneys in the fund shall not revert to the general fund of the State, but shall remain available for appropriation to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation, as determined by the General Assembly.
(2) Moneys in the TBI Toxicology Unit intoxicant testing fund and available federal funds, to the extent permitted by federal law and regulation, shall be used to fund a forensic scientist position in each of the three (3) bureau crime laboratories, to employ forensic scientists to fill such positions, and to purchase, maintain and upgrade the equipment and supplies necessary to examine and analyze, in a timely manner, the increased number of requests for determinations of alcohol concentration, the presence of narcotic or other drugs, or for both alcohol or drugs, in submitted blood samples resulting from permitting the testing for both alcohol and drugs of drivers of motor vehicles suspected to be operating in violation of § 55-10-401. To the extent that additional funds are available, such funds shall be used to employ or purchase such other personnel and equipment as may further allow the bureau to analyze and return the results of testing done on submitted blood samples in a more efficient and expeditious manner
55-10-418 Fees and Costs
(a) In addition to all other fines, fees, costs and punishments now prescribed by law, an alcohol and drug treatment fee of one hundred twenty five dollars ($125) shall be assessed for each conviction for a violation of 55-10-401. All proceeds collected subject to this section shall be transmitted to the Commissioner of the Department of Health for deposit in the special “alcohol and drug addiction treatment fund” administered by the department. This fund may also be used by the Department to pay for ignition interlock devices and continuous remote transdermal alcohol monitoring devices.
(b) The Court shall assess against the defendant a blood alcohol concentration (BAT) test fee in an amount not to exceed fifty dollars ($ 50.00) for obtaining a blood sample for the purpose of performing a test to determine the alcoholic or drug content of the defendant's blood pursuant to § 55-10-407 that is incurred by the governmental entity served by the law enforcement agency arresting the defendant. The fee authorized by this subsection shall only be assessed if a blood sample is actually taken from a defendant convicted of any such offenses and the test is actually performed on such sample.
(c) In addition to all other fines, fees,
costs and punishments now prescribed by law, a blood alcohol concentration
(BAT) test fee in the amount of fifty dollars ($50.00) will be assessed upon
conviction of an offense of driving while intoxicated, for each offender who
has taken a breath-alcohol test on an evidential breath testing unit provided,
maintained and administered by a law enforcement agency in the counties or
where breath, blood or urine has been analyzed by a publicly funded forensic laboratory.
(1) This fee shall be collected by the clerks of various Courts of the counties and forwarded to the county trustee on a monthly basis and designated for exclusive use by the law enforcement testing unit of the counties if the blood alcohol concentration test (BAT) was conducted on an evidential breath testing unit. If the blood alcohol test was conducted by a publicly funded forensic laboratory, the fee shall be collected by the clerks of the various Courts of the counties and forwarded to the county trustee on a monthly basis and designated for exclusive use by the publicly funded forensic laboratory.
(d) A portion of any fine imposed upon a person for a violation of this section, up to the maximum fine actually imposed, shall be returned to the sheriff of a county jail or to the chief administrative officer of a city jail for the purpose of reimbursing such sheriff or officer for the cost of incarcerating such person for each night such person is actually in custody for a violation of this section. Such reimbursement shall be in the same amount as is provided by § 8-26-105, and shall not in any event be less than the actual cost of maintaining such person and shall be reimbursed in the manner provided by § 8-26-106
(e) The proceeds from the increased portion of the fines for driving under the influence of an intoxicant provided for in Acts 1994, ch. 948 shall be collected by the respective Court clerks and then deposited in a dedicated county fund. Such fund shall not revert to the county general fund, but shall remain for the purposes set out in this section. Use of this fund for any other purposes shall be considered a breach of official duty by the Clerk of the Court. For purposes of this section, the increased portion of the fine shall for all purposes be considered to be the first one hundred dollars ($100) collected after the initial collection of two hundred fifty dollars ($250) on a first offense, the first one hundred dollars ($100) collected after the initial collection of five hundred dollars ($500) on a second offense, and the first one hundred dollars ($100) collected after the initial collection of one thousand dollars ($1,000) on a third or subsequent offense.
(1) The respective counties shall be authorized to expend the funds generated by the increased fines provided for in Acts 1994, ch. 948, by appropriations to alcohol and drug treatment facilities licensed by the Department of Health; to metropolitan drug commissions or other similar programs sanctioned by the governor's Drug Free Tennessee program for the purposes of Acts 1994, ch. 948; to organizations exempted from the payment of federal income taxes by the federal Internal Revenue Code
( 26 U.S.C. § 501(c)(3)), whose primary mission is to educate the public on the dangers of illicit drug use or alcohol abuse or to render treatment for alcohol and drug addiction; to organizations that operate drug and alcohol programs for the homeless or indigent; to agencies or organizations for purposes of alcohol and drug testing of offenders who have been placed on misdemeanor probation; for the employment of a probation officers for the purposes of supervising drug and alcohol offenders or to establish DUI Treatment Courts.
(f) The minimum and maximum fines for driving
under the influence of an intoxicant in existence prior to
55-10-419 Underage Driving After Consumption of
Alcohol or Drugs
Sixteen to Eighteen
(a) A person age sixteen (16) or over but under age eighteen (18) may not drive or be in physical control of an automobile or other motor driven vehicle while:
(1) The alcohol concentration in the person's blood is more than two hundredths of one percent (0.02%);
(2) Under the influence of any intoxicant, drug, substance or combination thereof producing effects on the central nervous system.
(b) Legal use is not a defense-
The fact that any person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol or any drug or substance shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.
(c) A person age sixteen (16) or over but under the age of eighteen (18) who commits the offense of underage driving while impaired commits a delinquent act.
(d) The delinquent act of underage driving while impaired for a person age sixteen (16) or over but under the age of eighteen (18) is punishable only by a driver license suspension of one (1) year and by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). As additional punishment, the Court shall impose twenty five (25) hours of public service work. The Court shall order an alcohol and drug assessment and order the juvenile to follow the recommendations of the assessment.
55-10-420 Underage Consumption of Alcohol or Drugs Eighteen to Twenty One
(a) A person age eighteen (18) to twenty one (21) may not drive or be in physical control of an automobile or other motor driven vehicle while:
(1) The alcohol concentration in the person's blood is more than two hundredths of one percent (0.02%) to eight hundredths of one per cent (.08%); or
(2) Under the influence of any intoxicant, drug, substance or combination thereof producing effects on
the central nervous system.
(b) Legal use is not a defense-
The fact that any person charged with violating this section is or has been legally entitled to use alcohol or any drug or substance shall not constitute a defense against any charge of violating this section.
(c) The offense of underage driving while impaired for a person age eighteen (18) or over but under age twenty-one (21) is a Class A misdemeanor punishable by a driver license suspension of one (1) year and by a fine of two hundred fifty dollars ($250). As additional punishment, the Court shall impose twenty five (25) hours of public service work.
(d) A person age eighteen (18) or over but under age twenty one (21) with a blood alcohol level greater than eight hundredths of one per cent (.08%) shall be charged with a violation of § 55-10-401 and this section shall not apply.
(e) This section is not a lesser included offense of § 55-10-401.
(f) A person who commits this offense may apply for a restricted driver’s license in the same manner as a person convicted of § 55-10-401.
55-10-421 Open Container Law
(a)
(1) No driver shall consume any alcoholic beverage or beer or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage or beer while operating a motor vehicle in this State.
(2) No passenger shall consume any alcoholic
beverage or possess an open container of alcoholic beverage or beer while
riding in a motor vehicle in this State.
(3) For purposes of this section:
(A) "Open container" means any container containing alcoholic beverages or beer, the contents of which are immediately capable of being consumed or the seal of which has been broken;
(B) An open container is in the possession of the driver when it is not located in a closed glove compartment, trunk or other non-passenger area of the vehicle; and
(C) A motor vehicle is in operation if its engine is operating, whether or not the motor vehicle is moving.
(b)
(1) A violation of this section is a Class C misdemeanor, punishable by fine only.
(2) For a violation of this section, a law enforcement officer shall issue a citation in lieu of continued custody, unless the offender refuses to sign and accept the citation, as provided in § 40-7-118.
55-10-422 Definitions
(a) "Alcohol" means any substance
or substances containing any form of alcohol.
(b) "Alcohol beverage" means:
(1) Beer, ale, porter, stout and other
similar fermented beverages, including sake and similar products, of any name
or description containing one-half of one percent or more alcohol by volume,
brewed or produced from malt wholly or in part, or from any substitute thereof.
(2) Any beverage obtained by the
fermentation of the natural content of fruits or other agricultural products
containing sugar, of not less than one-half of one percent of alcohol by
volume.
(3) Any distilled spirits commonly referred
to as ethyl alcohol, ethanol or spirits of wine in any form, including all
dilutions and mixtures thereof from whatever process produced.
(c) "Alcohol concentration" shall
mean either grams of alcohol per 100 milliliters of blood or grams of alcohol
per 210 liters of breath.
(d) "Any measurable and detectable
amount of alcohol" means any alcohol concentration in a person's blood or
breath that is 0.02 or more.
(e) “breath alcohol analysis” means the
process through which a human breath sample is analyzed to determine the
individual’s blood alcohol concentration.
(f) “Continuous remote transdermal alcohol
monitoring device” means a device that measures the secretion of sweat through
the skin to measure ethanol excretion twenty four hours a day and reports the
results remotely through a telephone.
(g) "Drive" means to operate or be
in physical control of a vehicle.
(h) "Driven" means to have
operated or been in physical control of a vehicle.
(i) "Driving" means operating or
being in physical control of a vehicle.
(j) "Drug" means a controlled
substance as defined by State or federal law or any other drug or psychoactive
substance capable of impairing a person's physical or mental faculties or any
combination of these substances.
(k) "Incarceration" means
confinement in a jail or workhouse.
(l) "Ignition interlock device" means a functioning device which connects a motor vehicle ignition system to a breath-alcohol analyzer and prevents a motor vehicle ignition from starting if a driver's blood alcohol level exceeds the calibrated setting on the device.
(m) "Imprisonment" means
confinement in a jail, workhouse or prison while serving a felony sentence.
(n) "Law enforcement officer"
means any duly elected or appointed officer of the State of Tennessee or any
county or municipal subdivision thereof charged with the conservation of the
peace, or with the enforcement and policing of the provisions of Title 65,
Chapter 15;
(o) "License or license to operate a
motor vehicle" means any driver's license or any other license or permit
to operate a motor vehicle issued under, or granted by, the laws of this State
including:
(1) Any temporary license or instruction
permit;
(2) The privilege of any person to drive a
motor vehicle whether or not such person holds a valid license; or
(3) Any nonresident's operating privilege as
defined herein.
(p) "Open alcoholic beverage
container" means any bottle, can or other receptacle that contains any
amount of alcoholic beverage, and that is open, has a broken seal, or the
contents of which are partially removed.
(q) "Motor vehicle" means every
vehicle which is self-propelled;
(r) "Passenger area" means the
area designed to seat the driver and passengers while the motor vehicle is in
operation and any area that is readily accessible to the driver or passengers
while in their seating positions, including but not limited to the glove compartment.
(s) "Preliminary alcohol screening
test" means an instrument designed and used to measure the presence of
alcohol in an individual.
(t)
“Prior conviction” means any
conviction entered after the defendant waived the right to counsel or was
represented by counsel, attested to by the Court.
(u) Serious Bodily injury is defined in
39-11-106 (34).
(v) Substance
(w) "Test" means any chemical test
designed to determine the alcoholic or drug content of the blood. The specimen to be used for such test shall include
blood, urine or breath;
(x) "Vehicle" means every device in, upon or by which any person or property is or may be transported.
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